Thoughts on the Passing of the Extraordinary Dorothy Rodham

Mrs. Dorothy Rodham, the extraordinary mother who raised our exceptional secretary of state, passed away at 12:04 this morning, four minutes into All Saints' Day. Mrs. Rodham was not a Catholic, but being Catholic is not what makes a saint. In fact it is not canonization by the Catholic Church that makes a saint either. It is not death that makes a saint, but rather the life lived. Many virtuous and saintly lives are not recognized by the Church of Rome. That does not make those lives less saintly.

In the Roman Catholic Apostles' Creed are these words: I believe in ... the communion of saints.... This refers not only to canonized saints, but all who have lived virtuous lives devoted to the good of their fellow humans, the creatures of the earth, and the earth itself of which we are custodians.

In raising and supporting such a remarkable daughter who has accomplished so much good,  Dorothy Rodham has certainly earned her halo. No she was not always a public person. We did get to know her on Hillary's campaign trail, but even when Hillary praised her there she was self-effacing.

She is gone now, but she will never be forgotten by those who appreciate her contribution. Fittingly, she passed through those gates just as All Saints' Day was beginning. It was a life well-lived. She will be missed by many.

There have been many lovely sentiments expressed here on this blog by readers. The Rodham and Clinton families are in all our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.  May they feel the love and comfort all of us wish for them.

Gratefulness Candles